Mike Anderson: “I just like to compete”

After today’s practice at Maples Pavilion, junior Mike Anderson talked about playing against taller players. The 6-4 guard is essentially a “power forward” in Washington’s four-guard lineup. Lately, his offensive production has dipped, but he remains an integral piece of the defense.

(On needing to be reminded to not pass up open shots?) “Yeah.”

(On being unselfish and passing up open shots) “For the past couple of years I’ve been a point guard so I like getting everybody else involved. I don’t look for myself a little bit and I’m just a team player. I just like passing the ball too.”

(On hard changing that attitude) “It’s not hard. It’s just something I just grew up doing. I just to be more aggressive though. I’m an aggressive player, but I just like to pass the ball. That’s just me.”

(On playing the power forward) “I like it. It’s a mismatch for the other team. I’m playing against 6-10 guys, but I feel like I can guard them. I just feel comfortable in what I’m doing. And I just like to compete.”

(On taking advantage of big forwards) “Yeah. I like taking people off the dribble.”

(On being the X-factor and if you’re not playing well then) “I don’t feel like I’m helping the team and I don’t feel like we’re going to … I just feel like once I’m playing and talking and getting everybody energy. They feed off my energy. I just feel like we’ll get that win. That’s how I feel.”

(On if he felt he’d have this role before the season) “No.”

(On what he envisioned for his role) “Me? It’s just because I’m playing the four right now. I thought I would play the guard spot. It’s working out either way so it doesn’t really matter to me.)

(On if it’s hard playing the four) “No.”

(On if it’s physical) “I’m a physical playing so it doesn’t matter to me.”

(On if it hurts) “No. I’m good.”

(Really) “I’m good. … You can ask Coach (Lorenzo) Romar.”

(On going up against 6-8 guys who are banging against you) “I played against jail-ball players before so it doesn’t really matter. Jail-ball players. Dudes that have been in jail. Concrete. All of that. So it doesn’t really matter. Playground. So it doesn’t really matter to me.”

(On being tough) “I can’t describe it. It’s just me. I grew up this way. Y’all see it.”

(On if Cal’s height affected UW) “No.”

(Then what happened?) “That game is in the past. We’re moving on from that. We got Stanford tomorrow. So I can’t really speak on that.”